Influenza. The flu. It’s a virus so widespread, it’s given its own season. As we move into the holidays—which can be prime time for spreading viruses during gatherings among friends and family—here’s what you should know about the flu.

What is the flu?

The flu is caused by a highly contagious virus, and impacts the respiratory system. Symptoms of the flu can come on suddenly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and may include fever/feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, muscle/body aches, headaches, fatigue and, in some cases, vomiting and/or diarrhea (usually in children). Commonly, the flu will last for about three or four days.

 When is flu season?

Fall and winter are prime time for flu, according to the CDC. Generally, flu makes people ill between October and February each year, but it can last well into the spring.  

How sick will the flu make me?

Many people who get mildly or moderately sick heal on their own. But some people are at higher risk of health complications, according to the Mayo Clinic. Those groups of people include children younger than 5 (and especially younger than 6 months); adults older than 65; people living in nursing homes and other long-term group facilities; pregnant people and people two weeks postpartum; Native Americans, people who have weakened immune systems and or chronic health conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes); obese people with a body mass index of 40 or higher.  

How can I protect myself from the flu?

There’s a vaccine for that! When you get the flu vaccine, it creates antibodies in your system which can help you avoid getting the flu, and protect you from getting seriously ill if you do get the flu. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get the flu vaccine every season, with few exceptions. In the past, the flu vaccine has helped reduce people’s risk of having to visit a doctor because of flu by 40 to 60 percent, says the CDC.

In order to get vaccinated, do I have to get a shot?

Not with the flu vaccine! That’s because there are two methods for delivering this particular immunization: a shot and nasal spray. Keep in mind, however, that there are certain groups of people who shouldn’t get the nasal spray, including children younger than 2, adults older than 50, people who are pregnant and people with certain allergies and health conditions (see the CDC’s list here). Whether you choose the shot or spray, always speak with your health care provider before being vaccinated.

I didn’t get vaccinated in October or November. Is it too late?

Absolutely not! The CDC says flu season generally peaks between December and March, but could actually last into the spring. Now is a great time to get vaccinated.  

What other steps can I take to keep healthy and protect myself from the flu?

Remember the early days of Covid-19, when we were all washing our hands constantly and keeping our distance from one another? The same methods are effective when it comes to flu, which is also transmitted from person to person by coughing and sneezing, or by touching an object that a sick person touched and then touching your nose or mouth. The CDC recommends following tried-and-true hygiene habits during flu season, and throughout the year: wash your hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based rub; stay home when you’re sick; keep your distance from others; cover your mouth/nose when you cough/sneeze; and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Will catching the flu this year protect me next flu season?

Nope. The flu is continually changing, so the virus spreading next year may be different from this year’s influenza. Flu vaccines are reviewed and updated annually, so the CDC says it’s best to hedge your bets and get vaccinated every year.

 

Getting the flu is no fun. And this year, as Covid-19 continues to spread, there’s even more anxiety around getting ill. To protect yourself and your family, talk to your primary care provider about getting vaccinated against the flu (and Covid-19) today. Better safe than sick!